Does TRICARE Cover Incontinence Supplies?

TRICARE is the military health program that offers coverage for eligible individuals. If you are experiencing incontinence and enrolled in TRICARE, medically necessary treatment and incontinence supplies may be covered.

Urinary Incontinence in Veterans

Veterans may experience urinary incontinence as a result of exposure to risk factors and/or injury during military service. Studies show that prior military exposure was associated with moderate/severe urinary incontinence in American men age 55 years or younger. In addition, up to 20 percent of women veterans experience UI.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control which results in accidental urine leaks. Incontinence often develops naturally with age, but can also be associated with other medical conditions. 

Who is eligible for TRICARE?

TRICARE provides health care services for: 

• active duty service members, 
• National Guard and Reserve members, 
• military retirees, 
• veterans, 
• and their family members. 

TRICARE Urinary Incontinence Treatment Coverage

What urinary treatments are covered by TRICARE?

TRICARE covers certain services and supplies used to treat illness or injury related to the urinary system such as:

• Implantation of Sacral Nerve Root Stimulation (SNS)
• Bedwetting Alarms for Primary Nocturnal Enuresis
• Collagen Implantation of the Urethra and/or Bladder Neck
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)
• Cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma
• Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) of the prostate

TRICARE will not cover the following procedures:

• Acrylic, or Berry, Prosthesis
• Bladder Stimulators
• Spinal Cord
• Rectal
• Vaginal
• Bladder Wall
• Periurethral Teflon Injection
• Silastic Gel Implant
• Transurethral Balloon Dilation of the Prostate

TRICARE Urinary Incontinence Supplies Coverage

Does TRICARE cover incontinence supplies? 

No. TRICARE does not pay for incontinence supplies. This includes incontinent pads, diapers, and other disposable products. For more information on medical supplies coverage, visit TRICARE Durable Medical Equipment.

Please note: TRICARE may cover incontinence supplies under the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).

What is the Extended Care Health Option?

The Extended Care Health Option provides financial assistance to qualifying beneficiaries with special needs. Beneficiaries include individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe intellectual disability, serious physical disability, and other extreme psychological or physical conditions.

For eligibility questions or assistance with ECHO benefits, please contact your contractor:

East

Humana Military Healthcare Services

www.tricare-east.com

1-800-444-5445 

West

Health Net

www.tricare-west.com

1-844-866-WEST

US Family Health Plan

Member Services Representative

www.usfhp.com

1-800-748-7347 

Overseas 

International SOS

www.tricare-overseas.com 

Country-Specific Toll-Free Numbers

Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a government program that provides healthcare services and medical supplies to veterans. Veterans enrolled in VA Health care may be eligible to receive incontinence supplies through the VA with proper diagnosis and documentation of medical need. Apply for VA Healthcare coverage online. 

If you have trouble using this online application, call MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). 

If you need help filling out your application, contact a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO).

If you have questions about VA health care, call a Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711). Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Medicaid and TRICARE

If you have TRICARE and are eligible for Medicaid, you can get free incontinence supplies when prescribed by a physician for use in chronic pathologic conditions that cause incontinence. Medicaid will pay for any remaining costs not covered by TRICARE.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal and state-run healthcare program that offers healthcare coverage and benefits to people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families or individuals. Medicaid insurance is available to anyone earning a certain income level as determined by Medicaid’s income limits. You can check the Medicaid eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

Are incontinence supplies covered by Medicaid?

Most state Medicaid plans will cover incontinence products when prescribed by a physician for use in chronic pathologic conditions that cause incontinence to the insured individual. These incontinence supplies include disposable underpads, reusable incontinence underwear, and bladder control pads. 

How to receive incontinence supplies through Medicaid?

If you are looking to get incontinence supplies through Medicaid, you will need to visit your medical provider and have proper documentation which should clearly state these products are medically necessary for your particular condition. 

In order to receive incontinence supplies from Medicaid, you must have the following:

• A medical condition that requires incontinence supplies (i.e. autism, diabetes, down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, etc.)
• Prior authorization and documented proof within the last 6 months from a physician stating the medically necessary items
• The estimated amount of incontinence supplies needed per day

Getting incontinence supplies covered by Medicaid can help relieve financial burden. To learn more about Medicaid incontinence supply coverage, click on your state below: